LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville has a new mayor for the first time in more than a decade.Â
Craig Greenberg was sworn into office Monday morning in the city's Metro Hall, taking over from Greg Fischer.Â
In his inaugural speech, Mayor Greenberg said his highest priority is making Louisville a safer city. Right after taking the oath, he greeted the crowd by saying, "Welcome to Day 1."
In a private ceremony that included music from several local artists, Greenberg became the city's 51st mayor. He stood beside his wife to take the oath.Â
About 200 people were expected to attend the ceremony including state leaders like Gov. Andy Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jaqueline Coleman.
In his inaugural speech, Greenberg talked about running through different parts of the city while on the campaign, where he meet people and learned about their stories.
"I believe that if you're going to ask people for their trust, you have to show up, in person, often," he said.
Greenberg said starting now his team will focus on making Louisville a safer, stronger, and healthier community.
"That means a city where we all feel safe in every neighborhood, every business, every park, every bus stop. That's critical and necessary everywhere and especially right here, as we work to reinvigorate our beautiful downtown," he said.
He said to strengthen public safety, "we have to go all in."
"We have to make LMPD the best police department in America. To do that, we have to put our hard-working, dedicated officers in position to succeed and do the job the right way," said Greenberg.Â
He was sworn in by Ky. Supreme Court Justice Angela Bisig.
He also said improving public safety is about much more than policing, and is also about preventing as many crimes as possible through outreach, investment, communication, building trust, and community violence intervention strategies that his administration will expand.Â
Greenberg outlined other challenges the city faces including affordable housing. He said he wants to make Louisville a place where businesses want to start and grow. In his speech, he also discussed transparency and accountability.
While he said Louisville offers many great things like parks, bourbon, sports, concerts and festivals, Greenberg said the city's greatest asset is its people.
"... whatever neighborhood we live in, we love this city like we love our family," he said.
At Metro Hall, the public had a chance to meet Greenberg and his leadership team and talk about issues important to them. There were long lines as people waited to talk to Greenberg.
Carter Martin Jr. with the Greater Lou. Association of Realtors said he wants to see a focus on, "Housing affordability and accessibility for everyone and also I'm looking forward to seeing what his initiatives are on our crime because people want to live in a safe city."
Ashley Hadley met Greenberg during the "Run with Craig" events where Greenberg would run in different neighborhoods while he was campaigning. She said she and her friends came to the meet and greet to show support for him.Â
She said, "Safety is a really big piece and the ability to work with the police force and try and find something that works for our city. I'm definitely pro-police, but also it really matters that police are protecting all people."
He promised to make safety a priority for the city.
Matthew Brown is a Metro Public Works employee. He came to the event to meet the Mayor in person.
Brown said safety is also important to him. "I know some of the numbers improved year over years in terms of murders, but there's still a lot of concerns in the public and still a lot that can be improved."
He added, "Maybe some more implementation of programs to help people in terms of jobs."
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